Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man at Millbrook 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Katy Groesbeck bid farewell to her best friend and partner of 18 years, Oz the Tin Man, last night. Inexplicably, “Wort” shattered his fetlock, and X-rays revealed the damage was beyond repair. The 1997 Anglo-Arab gelding, by Sidi of Magic and out of Regalbatim, was euthanized with Katy by his side.
“He was the horse that every little girl dreams of growing up with,” Katy said. “He was a gentleman and a renegade, always there to help you get into trouble or save you from it. I am lucky to have welcomed him into the world the day he was born, said goodbye to him the moment he passed, and been there with him for every memory in between.”
Katy and Wort enjoyed a successful career together, spanning two coasts and multiple Advanced level events. After finishing third in the CIC3* at Rebecca Farm in 2013 and competing in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final at the American Eventing Championships, Katy moved from California to Pennsylvania to spend a year training with Buck Davidson.
While on the East Coast, Katy and Wort completed six CIC3* events and highlighted their trip with a sixth place finish in the CCI3* at Bromont in 2014. Towards the end of 2014, Katy made the decision to retire the gelding from upper level competition, electing to find a suitable rider to learn from him.
In November of 2014, young rider Anna Robinson took over the ride on Wort, aiming to compete in the CCI* at the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships this year. Anna and Wort clicked immediately, and the pair had just completed their first Preliminary event together at Full Gallop last weekend.
Katy and Anna can take comfort in knowing that Wort was still at the top of his game, and once again we are reminded of the fragile nature of our horses. The entire EN team extends our deepest condolences to Katy and all who knew and loved Oz the Tin Man.
Rest in peace, Wort.
